Bagpipers lead the funeral procession into Dulaney Valley Gardens. (Photo by WBAL's Robert Lang)

William Donald Schaefer, former mayor of Baltimore and governor of Maryland, was remembered Wednesday as a cheerleader who wasn't satisfied until everyone shared his love for his city and state.

"He always had the right instinct that set the right tone and put Baltimore on the map," longtime aide Lainy Lebow-Sachs said Wednesday as she eulogized Schaefer at Old St. Paul's Church.

The 89-year-old Schaefer died April 18. He was Baltimore's mayor from 1971 to 1986 and governor from 1987 to 1995.

A funeral procession with drummers, motorcycles, mounted police and a riderless horse escorted Schaefer's casket through the streets of Baltimore from City Hall, where people paid their last respects over two days. Hundreds lined the procession route and clapped as the hearse passed.

Former congressman Kweisi Mfume eulogized Schaefer as a man who always cared about the little guy. "On the scroll of life, when we get to the name William Donald Schaefer," he said, "we stop and insert the words, 'He played real hard. He made a real difference.'"

Mfume said he saw Schaefer weep twice when his heart was broken -- once on the day after the Colts left Baltimore...and on the day he buried his mother.

"He wept both times," Mfume said. "And he opened himself in a way that made those who were paying attention realize that his heart was as big as this church."

"No one irritated me more than him and no one irritated him more than me," Mfume said. "Well, maybe Parris Glendening," he added, which drew a huge laugh from the hundreds gathered inside the church.

Senator Barbara Mikulski delivered one of the three eulogies. "He did know Baltimore," Mikulski said. "He did know its people. He did know its neighborhoods."

Mikulski joked about Schaefer's "do it now" style and his so called "action memos."

"Did you ever get a blue note from Schaefer? They were written in blue pen and somewhat blue language from time to time, Mikuslki remembered.

Congressman Dutch Ruppersberger was one of the many Maryland politicians to stream into Old St. Paul's Church for the service.

"He was one of my mentors," Ruppersberger said. "When I first ran for office, I went to William Donald Schaefer and he said `Do you want to help people? You want to make a difference? And we're going to make Baltimore the best that we can,' and he sure did that."

Other politicians included Sen. Barbara Mikulski, Gov. Martin O'Malley and Michael Steele, former Republican party chairman and Maryland lieutenant governor.

Former first lady Kendel Ehrlich arrived wearing a large decorative black hat, which she said was a tribute to Schaefer's love for an annual Baltimore flower show.

"It's in honor of Governor Schaefer," she said outside the church. "You know, he kept Flower Mart alive, and he just loved that event."

Former Gov. Robert Ehrlich said the hat was a tribute.

"It's a celebration of life, and to celebrate his life, you have to add the laughter, because he used humor as a great tool in politics."

Ehrlich, a Republican who got along well with the Democratic Schaefer, noted that Schaefer was not partisan or ideological.

"He never saw the world through R and D. Never," Ehrlich said, adding "he cared about building things, and he cared about serving people and that's all."

A funeral procession traveled from the downtown Baltimore church, to Dulaney Valley Memorial Gardens. There, Schaefer was honored with a 19-gun, riderless, bagpipers, and a flyover by a state police med-evac helicopter.

At the cemetery, the flag from Schaefer's coffin was presented to Lebow-Sachs, who one mourner described as the daughter Schaefer never had.

Statement from Mayor Stephanie Rawlings-Blake

ôOne integral part of William Donald SchaeferÆs legacy is the value of public service. For the past ten days, it has been an honor to see city employees working diligently to prepare Baltimore for the final tour and funeral of our beloved former mayor. Whether they worked under his administration or were inspired by his commitment to Baltimore, they ensured that the city could pay proper tribute to one of its greatest sons.

I want to particularly thank the Maryland National Guard, Baltimore Police Department, Baltimore City Fire Department, Department of Transportation, Department of Public Works, Office of Neighborhoods, Parking Authority, Office of Emergency Management, and RuckÆs Funeral Home for executing William Donald SchaeferÆs tour of Baltimore on Monday. Thousands of residents were able to pay their respects and celebrate his legacy in some of the neighborhoods and attractions he loved most.

Mayor Schaefer saw Baltimore as a shining city made of people who made the unrealistic become a reality, and the impossible become possible. Over the past few days, each of us who loved and respected him had an opportunity to give thanks one last time for his accomplishments. Moving forward, we can best honor William Donald SchaeferÆs legacy by recommitting to work together, side-by-side, to rebuild our city for the next generation.ö